Why a structural survey is important: A detailed guide

If you are planning to buy a new house or renovate an existing one, then a structural survey is the most important step. Having a structurally sound home is essential for the safety of your loved ones as well as you.

No matter if you are buying a new home or want to sell your existing property, it would be best to have a structural survey to know if your property complies with the building regulations and meets all safety standards. 

In the UK, having a property’s structural survey is essential, and in this guide, you will come to know what a structural survey is, its types, and how much it costs. So let’s get deep into it.

What are structural surveys?

A structural survey is a detailed inspection carried out by a qualified structural engineer of the main structure of a building to check the strength, stability and safety of the structure. Engineers and surveyors carefully examine all parts of the structure, including the foundation beam, column, floor and roof.

Structural surveyors always check visible problems such as cracks, dampness, leaks or a building’s movement. In certain cases, if you find a serious problem, then you should call the engineers, who will then recommend further testing, which can be soil checks or material sampling.

In short, a structural survey tells you your property is safe to live in, how to stop future damage and what initial repairs may be needed.

Types of Structural Surveys:

Different properties require different types of surveys; it depends on the size, age, design and overall condition. RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) introduced a new home standard survey on 01 March 2021.

In the UK, the main residential property areas’ constructions are clearer, consistent and transparent, so that both homeowners and buyers get accurate information. 

Here are the types of surveys for better understanding: 

Level 1 (condition survey):

A condition survey is a basic survey which describes the overall condition of your property. It helps to identify visible issues, risks, and legal concerns. Usually, it has a low cost, and this property survey is suitable for modern standards and conventional buildings. 

Level 2 (Home buyer)

RICS Home Buyer, previously known as Home Buyer Survey or Home Buyer Report, is best for conventional properties in reasonable condition which have a simple layout.

This survey is more detailed than the condition survey. Level 2 survey available in two different forms. The first one is only a survey, and the second is a survey plus valuation. If you want to know the current market value of your property, the valuation survey option is recommended.

Level 3 (survey report)

The RICS survey report is known as a building survey, which includes a comprehensive and detailed survey. It provides an in-depth analysis of your property and gives a clear picture of the overall condition of your property structure.

This survey includes professional guidance about defect repair and maintenance plans to help understand.

Which Factors Affect Structural Survey Costs?

Structural survey costs vary depending on the size of the structure, age, design, location and complexity of the project, and its type and scope directly affect the price of the property.

• In most cases, a large and old building or property with a complex or unique structure is more costly because it requires more time and a detailed inspection. 
• A basic condition survey will cost less, while if you choose a full structural survey, which offers detailed survey repair advice and analysis, it comes with a higher price because of its work.

How much does a structural engineer’s survey cost?

In the UK, the cost of a structural engineer’s survey is usually charged between £650 and £2,500, which is not a final price. The final price depends on several important factors, such as the size of the property, the complexity of the project, the level of detail required in the report and the location. 

For example, a small modern home is much less costly than a large, old and altered property building, which is much more expensive. Therefore, there is no fixed price for an engineer’s survey; it varies depending on the design and the time taken for the project.

Average hourly rates of structural surveys:

The average hourly rate in the UK for a structural engineer survey is between £80 and £250. Most of the time, professional engineers charge a fixed rate, especially when doing a full home survey, as it provides more clarity for both the surveyor and the client.

The final cost depends on several factors, such as the qualifications and experience of the surveyors and engineers.

Tips for Saving the Cost of a Structural Survey:

To save money on structural survey costs, follow these simple steps. It’s helpful to save your money.

• Firstly, choose an engineer or surveyor who charges a fixed fee instead of an hourly rate.
• Secondly, decide on the right level of surveyor and select them because there is no need to pay extra charges for a detailed report if your home is in good condition; then you only pay for what’s truly needed for your home.
•  It’s a good idea to check multiple RICS-accredited surveyors and compare them before deciding because prices can vary, so getting a few estimates helps to find the best value for your budget.
• Finally, a good surveyor helps to save your money in the long term and uses the method of the surveyor’s report if your home structure is in good condition, which can help to negotiate your money and insurance premiums to work at a lower cost.

What are the hidden structural survey costs?

When you are planning a budget for a structural survey, it’s important to take care of hidden costs that may appear. Some basic issues include the specialist’s report, such as damp, timber, drainage problems and traveller fees, which usually cost between £200 and £550.

If a surveyor identifies a structural problem, then you must hire a structural engineer for a more detailed inspection or repair plan. This process adds another value of £250 and £600 to the overall cost.